Bad joke on RAW causes WWE to do damage control

Manager A.W. made a crude joke last night on RAW that made reference to LA Laker Kobe Bryant and his trouble in 2003 when Bryant was accused of rape.
A.W. said of wrestler Titus O’Niel ” he’s like Kobe Bryant at a hotel room in Colorado … he’s unstoppable.”
The WWE immediately had announcer Michael Cole apologize on-air for the comment and later the WWE would formally apologize along with A.W. would would say “I would like to apologize to all the WWE Universe for my inappropriate and insensitive remark,” he wrote. “I went to far with that joke. #NotFunny!!”
The WWE has been offering edgier programming and toeing the line of the PG-13 rating but can ill afford any negative press while Linda McMahon, the wife of CEO Vince McMahon, continues her bid for Senate.

Date and locatoin for the Survivor Series

Survivor Series 2012 will take place on November 18th in Indianapolis at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

WWE SmackDown Spoilers 7/31/12

The Smackdown announcers were introduced. However, Booker T was not with them. This is likely part of the general manager angle that was teased earlier by WWE’s text service.
Vince McMahon announced Booker as the new general manager. Alberto Del Rio came out to talk about not competing until Summerslam. Sheamus came out and they exchanged words. Booker booked Del Rio vs Orton for later, and Sheamus vs Tensai immediately.
1. World Hvt. Champion Sheamus defeated Tensai.
Booker was backstage with Eve and she sucked up to him to get a job in his administration. Teddy Long was offered a Sr. Advisor to the GM job. Booker gave Teddy the chance to tell Eve that there are no more job openings.
2. Antonio Cesaro defeated Santino Marella in a non-title match.
Matt Striker was backstage with Daniel Bryan and he showed a recap of Monday’s Raw with the doctor. Striker asked Bryan if he has any thoughts and he said no. The camera panned out and he had a “No No No” t-shirt. He told the crowd not to chant “Yes”, and said that he will be saying “no” more often. Of course, the crowd chanted “yes” much to his dismay.
3. Daniel Bryan, The Miz, and Dolph Ziggler defeated Chris Jericho, Kane, and Christian in a six-man tag. The heels won when Bryan rolled up Jericho.
Striker interviewed Randy Orton backstage and welcomed him back to the show. Orton mentioned Alberto Del Rio being number one contender for the World Title. Orton said he’ll defeat Del Rio tonight.
WWE announced that Survivor Series is coming to Indianapolis on November 18. The password for the pre-sale is “series”.
4. Ryback defeated Jinder Mahal via DQ. The disqualification came after Jinder hit him by what appeared to be a microphone. Mahal then ran up the ramp in fear of Ryback.

The Primetime Players, including AW, were shown walking backstage.

5. Darren Young (w/Titus O’Neil, A.W.) beat R-Truth. A.W. introduced his team, as usual, and used his headset mic at ringside.
Layla congratulated Booker T backstage. Cody Rhodes showed up and said he hopes that ending Booker’s career earlier this year doesn’t affect their working relationship. Booker booked Sin Cara vs. Rhodes for next week.
6. Randy Orton defeated Alberto Del Rio (w/Ricardo Rodriguez) by DQ. Ricardo entered the ring and attacked Orton as he was going to set up the RKO, which caused the DQ finish. They both went up the ramp when Sheamus ran down behind Del Rio, threw him inside the ring, and into Orton’s RKO. Orton posed as the taping ended.
Dark Main Event
1. John Cena vs. Big Show and Cody Rhodes in a handicap match.

WWE Issues Statement on Tensai Tout, Friday’s Smackdown Rating

- Friday’s episode of Smackdown scored a 1.92 rating. The show did 2.834 million viewers, according to TV By The Numbers. The show was down from the previous Friday’s episode, which garnered a 2.04 rating with 2.964 million viewers.

- WWE issued the following statement in regards to the controversial Tout video that was posted earlier today by Tensai.
“While in character, Lord Tensai (Matt Bloom) clearly took his storyline too far and he will be reprimanded for his inappropriate comments.”

Raw Suffers Big Ratings Drop, Tensai’s Racial Tout Gone

- Viewership for the July 30 episode of Raw dropped significantly from last week’s 1,000th episode as the program averaged a 3.08 cable rating compared to 3.84. The overall rating was down 20 percent from the milestone show and is the lowest mark since June 4.
Raw averaged 4,490,000 viewers over the course of three hours and 4,710,000 from 9:00 p.m. to past 11:00 p.m. Overall viewership was down 22 percent from last week’s 6,019,000 figure and is the smallest audience since June 4.
Raw drew a 2.79 rating with 4,060,000 viewers in hour one, a 3.21 cable rating with 4,720,000 viewers in hour two, and a 3.25 rating with 4,700,000 viewers in the final hour.

- A Tout video Tensai posted late last night which could be perceived as racially insensitive toward Asian people has been taken down. The video showed him traveling with his “personal chauffeur” Sakamoto to Indianapolis—the site of tonight’s SmackDown taping—following Raw, and he remarked that it’s “very, very dangerous” to drive with a Japanese person. He then slapped Sakamoto as he drove and ordered him “to open his eyes.”
Another racially charged remark toward Sakamoto was made on Raw as commentator Jerry “The King” Lawler quipped following the Tensai vs. Tyson Kidd match, “When Tensai beats up Sakamoto, he changes his name to Sum Ting Wong.”

Possible Name for New Smackdown GM, WWE Film News

- WWE announced Tuesday that WWE Studios' No One Lives will debut at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.

No One Lives, which features Brodus Clay in a supporting role, will premiere at TIFF's Midnight Madness as part of its Special Presentations and Galas programs. TIFF runs from September 6 to 16. It is a described as a "smart and original horror movie about a killer in the grip of a dark and twisted love affair."

In addition to Clay, No One Lives features Luke Evans (Clash of the Titans, Immortals, The Raven), Adelaide Clemens (Silent Hill: Revelation), Derek Magyar, Lee Tergesen (Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning) and America Olivo (Friday the 13th).

- WWE issued a text alert before tonight's SmackDown television taping in Indianapolis, Indiana naming Booker T as a candidate for the new Smackdown General Manager.

The statement reads: "Mr. McMahon will name the new General Manager of Smackdown at tonight's live event, and there is strong speculation it will be Booker T."

Loads Wrestling News & Notes

- Former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis won the FWE Women’s Title for the second time this past weekend. She defeated TNA Knockout Winter.

- After WWE nixed a Divas segment from RAW 1000, there was no Divas segment or match again on last night’s episode. The topic of how much TV time the Divas have been getting lately was a hot topic backstage last night.

- Speculation at RAW last night was that Charlie Sheen will be working with Kane for a SummerSlam encounter against Daniel Bryan. A Kane vs. Bryan singles match with Sheen in Kane’s corner or something like that is rumored.

- Tensai made a racial remark in his first Tout video post. Noting he was traveling with his personal chauffeur Sakamoto to Indianapolis—the site of tonight’s SmackDown taping—following Raw, he remarks it’s “very, very dangerous” to drive with a Japanese person. He then slaps Sakamoto as he’s driving and orders him “to open his eyes.”

- WWE.com has uploaded a playlist of The Road Warriors’ greatest moments. Highlights include defeating The Nasty Boys to win the WWF Tag Team Championship, clashing with The Midnight Express in the dangerous Scaffold Match, a WarGames Match against The Four Horsemen at The Great American Bash in 1987, a match against Harlem Heat in 1996 and more.

- Ezekiel Jackson, who has sparingly appeared at WWE events in recent weeks, noted on Twitter that he will not be on hand for tonight’s SmackDown taping in Indianapolis, Indiana.

- Alicia Fox paid a visit to Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health on Tuesday prior to SmackDown. The WWE Diva sent out a Tout noting her appearance.

Former WWE Tag Team Champions Reuniting In Canada‏

Rosey and The Hurricane are reuniting for two independent shows in Canada.

The shows, presented by UCW, will be held at the Kings Mutual Century Centre in Berwick, Nova Scotia on August 9th, 2012 and the Spryfield Lions Rink in Halifax, Nova Scotia on August 11th, 2012.
Also appearing are Big Daddy V and Bushwhacker Luke.

Video: Footage of RAW Set On Fire

Fire Breaks Out in the Arena for Tonight's Raw

According to attendees at tonight' WWE Raw event at the U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, a small fire broke out in the arena just over an hour before the start of Raw.

The source of the fire appeared to be a pyro malfunction near the stage. The arena was filled with smoke, the fire alarm went off, and people inside the arena were evacuated as a pre-caution.

Press Release: Theme Song for 1000th Raw Revealed

- WWE issued the following press release today:
STAMFORD, Conn., July 23, 2012 – WWE® (NYSE: WWE) today announced Outasight’s chart-topping single “Tonight Is The Night” as the official theme song of its 1000th episode of Monday Night Raw. The song will be integrated into the telecast tonight at 8/7C on USA Network.

“Tonight Is The Night” is one of the hottest songs in the country, spending 20 weeks on the Billboard Top 100 chart and 30 weeks on the Billboard Pop Songs Top 100 chart. The song has been released as a single and is available digitally on iTunes.com, surpassing platinum selling status. Outasight’s second single, “Now Or Never,” is currently blazing up the pop radio charts and is set to be the soundtrack for Summer 2012.

Another Big Name on Their Way to St. Louis for 1000th Raw Episode

The Undertaker and Michelle McCool are currently on a flight From ABIA Airport in Austin, TX to St. Louis, MO.
Earlier reports indicated the original plan was for The Undertaker to make his WWE TV return around the Survivor Series pay-per-view. Looks like those plans have since changed and he will be seen tonight on Raw 1000th.

The NEW WWE Raw Logo!

Courtesy of @TVLineNews

A list of #FakeRAW1000 rumors

Via Twitter:

@nacgator: Tonight they will have the Undertaker / Damien Demento rematch the world has waited for #FakeRaw1000Rumors

@RingsideXcess: John Cena and Fred are scheduled to capture the WWE Tag Team Championships to promote the 3rd Fred film #FakeRaw1000Rumors

@MilesW2013: Mae Young will celebrate her 1000thB-day on #RAW1000 by winning Diva's title #FakeRaw1000Rumors

@VivaMattyVegas: #FakeRaw1000Rumors Dixie Carter will be named #RAW and #SmackDown GM

@thatbrooks: Hornswaggle and Big Show form a tag team and their team name will be "Biggie Smalls" #FakeRAW1000Rumors

@MYO716: #FakeRAW1000Rumors John Cena takes off his mask and reveals he was Hogan all along.

@wrestlingism: Good news! Harlem Heat reunites! Bad news: it's Harlem Heat 2000.

@the_mcadam: Samoa Joes TNA contract runs out at 6pm Monday #coincidence #FakeRaw1000Rumors #FakeRaw1000Rumors

@SpinninToeHold: Vince McMahon will be killed again #FakeRaw1000Rumors

@NextBigThingSiD: #FakeRAW1000Rumors Dean Ambrose debuts.

@mcap81: Repoman steals Alberto Del Rio's car after entrance #FakeRAW1000Rumors

Possible HUGE NEWS for WWE 1000th RAW and DX

We are being told that tonight when WWE's 1000th Episode of RAW Kicks off, DX Will be having a return, But what they havent told everyone yet, is that WWE Officials are planning on doing a FULL DX Reunion, If you watched WWF back in the 90's (Attitude Era) you would know that DX was not just Triple H and Shawn Michaels, It was also Road Dogg, X Pac, and Bad Ass Billy Gunn.

Every one of those names have been somewhat confirmed for tonights raw and an insider from the Backstage has said that the plans are for a FULL DX Reunion, so i guess we will see what takes place.

Please dont hold usto this because as we all knowthe casrds are subject to change and lastminutes changes can always take place. But we can all keep our fingers crossed!

Everyone tune in tonight for the 1000th WWE RAW and be sure to check out our Blog and facebook for Live Results and Updates.

Two Reminders for Tonight's RAW 1000, No WWE NXT Airing In Florida, More

- WWE will be holding a "be a STAR" anti-bullying rally today at the Boys & Girls Club in St. Louis, Missouri. Eve Torres and other Superstars will be participating.

- The WWE NXT show did not air yesterday on Bright House Cable in Florida and no WWE programming is scheduled to air. F4Wonline.com reports that the station never received the tape from WWE to air and there is no official reason why.

- As a reminder, WWE will hold a RAW pre-show tonight on YouTube at 7:30pm EST.

- Word coming out of WWE this weekend is that the overrun for tonight's RAW 1000 is going to go longer than usual. If you're tapingtonight's show, make sure you record the following show just to be safe.

List of Several Former Stars Reportedly Confirmed for Tonight's RAW 1000 Episode

- WWE has reached out to a ton of former talents over the past few months and a source joked that they are flying in anyone who still has a phone. While some of the former stars will have a purpose on tonight's RAW 1000 episode, expect a lot of overkill with some of them.

F4Wonline.com reports that the following names are confirmed for tonight's show. Besides these names, expect some others to appear:

Shawn Michaels, JBL, Psycho Sid, Diamond Dallas Page, Vader, Roddy Piper, Mick Foley, The Rock, Bret Hart, Jim Ross, Gene Okerlund, Mae Young, Steve Blackman, Alicia Webb (Ryan Shamrock), Sean "X-Pac" Waltman, Sgt. Slaughter, Jim Duggan, Road Warrior Animal, Slick, Billy Gunn, Road Dogg BG James and Bob Backlund.

Reported Fan Incident with WWE Champion CM Punk at the St. Louis Airport Last Night

- There was an incident at the St. Louis airport last night as WWE talents were arriving for RAW 1000 and fans were there to greet them.

A fan reportedly asked WWE Champion CM Punk for an autograph but was turned down. Apparently the fan was rude in his approach.

This led to another fan yelling at Punk and causing a scene inside the airport. Punk threw the man's autograph book in a trash can. Airport police came over and Punk seemed very annoyed with having his time wasted, according to an eye-witness. Other WWE starswho were standing around asked fans if they knew "the fat guy", who was the fan that got his autograph book threw in the trash can.

Punk went on Twitter and wrote about how one bad fan ruins it for everyone. He gave props to respectful fans. Ricardo Rodriguez was one of the WWE talents present for the incident as he wrote that fans "go from fan mode to creepy mode to psycho mode sometimes."

Shawn Michaels apologies for gay slur

HBK posted an apology on his Twitter page for calling a guy who asked a question about his hairline “Another Dude obsessed w/my hair #homo.” Michaels posted to his feed:

The remark I made the other nite, joking or not, obviously offended many, so I apologize for the remark!

WWE Money in the Bank PPV Results – 7/15/12

WWE Money in the Bank PPV Results
July 15, 2012
Phoenix, Arizona

* WWE Tag Team Champions R-Truth and Kofi Kingston defeated Hunico and Camacho in the YouTube pre-show match.

A video package runs highlighting various WWE stars cashing in the “Money in the Bank” briefcase successfully.
A graphic opening hits welcoming us to Money in the Bank. We go live to the U.S. Airways Center in Phoenix where a huge display of pyro goes off.

Up first is the “Money in the Bank” Ladder match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship contract.

“Money in the Bank” Ladder Match for the WWE World Title Contract
Dolph Ziggler vs. Santino Marella vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Damien Sandow vs. Tyson Kidd vs. Sin Cara vs. Tensai vs. Christian

Tons of brawling to kick off the show. Tensai goes after Tyson Kidd in the corner. Tensai catches Christian with an uppercut and then tosses Santino out of the ring. Tensai grabs a ladder, sets it up in the corner and catapults Kidd into it face first. Kidd hits Tensai with a ladder and Christian hits him as well with another ladder. Christian and Kidd drive a ladder into Tensai. Christian and Santino on top of a ladder exchanging blows. Kidd jumps up with them. Damien Sandow pushes it over dumping everyone down to the mat. Dolph Ziggler dropkicks Sandow off the ladder. Cody Rhodes and Ziggler brawl. Ziggler tosses Rhodes into a ladder, but Rhodes with a low blow kick to Ziggler. Sin Cara with a head scissors takedown on Rhodes. Sin Cara and Ziggler with a botched nasty fall from the top turnbuckle. Christian frog splashes over a ladder when Kidd moves out of the way. Rhodes with a kick to the face of Sandow. Kidd with big kicks to the face of Rhodes and follows with a springboard dropkick. Kidd sets up a large ladder under the briefcase.

Tensai pulls him off. Santino tries to climb up, but Tensai pulls him off. Kidd and Tensai go over the top rope when Kidd counters a powerbomb attempt into a huricanrana. Sandow is now climbing up the big ladder. Sin Cara with kicks to knock him off. Christian with an inverted DDT on Sandow. Sandow with knees to Christian, misses a clothesline and Christian spears him over a ladder set up in the corner. Rhodes and Ziggler are brawling at the top of the large ladder. Tensai pulls Ziggler off and then hits big rights on Rhodes. Tensai ties up the left leg of Rhodes into the ladder and pulls him back with force. Kidd leaps on the ladder. Tensai takes him out. Tensai headbutts Sin Cara off. Christian hits Tensai with a ladder to the lower back. Christian and Santino double team Tensai with a small ladder. Santino with a diving headbutt to Ziggler. Santino with a Corba to Ziggler. Santino starts climbing the ladder and he appears to be afraid of heights. He gets close when Sandow climbs up. Santino with a Cobra to Sandow to knock him off to the mat.

Rhodes takes out Santino with a big dropkick sending the ladder into the ropes. Rhodes sets up a ladder and Vickie Guerrero jumps up to distract him. This allows Ziggler to pull Rhodes off the ladder. Ziggler has the briefcase when Christian cuts him off. Kidd has a ladder and is standing on the top rope. Kidd drops the ladder over the ladder Christian and Ziggler are on. Kidd then grabs Ziggler in mid-air and takes him out with a sunset flip powerbomb. Christian with a clothesline sending Sandow over the top rope. Tensai sets up a ladder across the ring apron and announce table. Tensai gives Sin Cara a powerbomb over the ladder like last year when Sheamus did the same to Sin Cara. Tensai literally launches Ziggler over the announce table. That looked crazy. Rhodes with kicks to Tensai. Christian with a spear to Rhodes off the top of the ladder! Christian has his hand on the briefcase. Ziggler tosses Christian off. Ziggler has it. Ziggler is the winner.

Winner of a shot at the WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Dolph Ziggler

After the match, we see various highlights from the match. Back live, Dolph Ziggler is celebrating his win with Vickie Guerrero.

Backstage, Josh Mathews is with WWE World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus. Mathews wants his plan against Alberto Del Rio tonight. Sheamus said Del Rio can attack him with nice cars, but all he needs is a nice title belt.

The Miz makes his way out to the arena. He asks if the fans missed him. Miz talks about filming a new movie during his time away. He said while filming this movie he received loads of respect. Miz said he isn’t going to yell or scream tonight and instead present facts. He said he is sick of being overlooked. Miz announces he is adding himself to the “Money in the Bank” Ladder match for the WWE Championship contract. He promises to win tonight and to go to win back the WWE Championship. Why? “Because I’m The Miz…I’m a movie star…and I’m awesome.”

WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Sheamus (c) vs. Alberto Del Rio w/ Ricardo Rodriguez

Rodriguez handled the ring introduction of the challenger Alberto Del Rio. Lilian Garcia did the introduction for the champion Sheamus. Del Rio with a slap early to Sheamus. Lots of wild brawling between the two. Sheamus catches Del Rio with a big elbow. Sheamus with a big suplex on Del Rio from the ring apron over the top rope. Sheamus immediately goes up top and catches Del Rio with a big shoulder block. Del Rio catches Sheamus with a kick to the head as he is getting up on the ring apron. Del Rio works over the left arm of Sheamus sending him into the steel ring steps. Del Rio tosses Sheamus back inside, goes up top and catches him with a quick splash. Del Rio continues working over the left arm of Sheamus with kicks and stomps. Del Rio with a kick to the back of the head of Sheamus standing and then another kick to the head when he goes down. Sheamus with rights for a comeback, but Del Rio fires back with a headbutt. Sheamus fires back with a big boot and swinging neckbreaker combo. Sheamus now with a series of clotheslines on Del Rio.

Del Rio sends Sheamus’ bad shoulder into the steel ring post. Del Rio jumps out and gets in a few shots on Sheamus to add more. Sheamus counters an armbar attempt, Del Rio sends him over the top rope, Sheamus hangs on and then launches himself into Del Rio. Del Rio counters in mid-air dropping Sheamus left arm over his knees. Sheamus launches Del Rio into the corner, connects witha knee lift and big powerslam combo. Sheamus with big forearm shots to Del Rio over the ropes. Del Rio then drops the arm of Sheamus over the top rope. Sheamus with an Irish Curse backbreaker. Del Rio misses a big boot when Sheamus moves him out of the way. Sheamus misses a Brogue Kick and Del Rio connects with a backcracker. Sheamus fires back with a few shots and connects with White Noise. Sheamus is calling for the Brogue Kick. Sheamus charges and connects. Sheamus hooks the leg and gets the pinfall.

Winner and still WWE World Heavyweight Champion: Sheamus

After the match, Del Rio begins attacking Sheamus. Sheamus is out. Dolph Ziggler’s music hits and he is going to cash in his briefcase tonight. Sheamus then catches Dolph Ziggler with a Brouge Kick. Ziggler is out. Michael Cole reminds us that the bell never officially rang so the match and briefcase cashing in was not official. Sheamus heads up the ramp and celebrates his successful title defense.

We see video of Josh Mathews talking with Daniel Bryan about his match tonight with CM Punk during the YouTube pre-show. AJ is referred to as his ex-girlfriend. Bryan corrects Mathews saying she will be his future wife and that AJ will make a tough decision tonight. He promises to emerge tonight as WWE Champion and with AJ’s heart.

WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston and R-Truth come out to the arena and take a sit at ringside with Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler and Booker T on commentary.

The Primetime Players (Darren Young and Titus O’Neil) w/ Abraham Washington vs. Epico and Primo w/ Rose Mendes

We start with Epico and Titus O’Neil. Epico with a series of kicks and chops. Titus with big rights and a tag to Primo. Titus charges Primo in the corner and tags in Darren Young. Young with big forearms in the corner. Primo with a head scissors takedown from a headstand in the corner. Tag to Epico with a huricanrana takedown on Young. Primo with a dive to take out Young. Titus goes over the top rope when Primo holds the rope down. Epico with a dive over the top rope taking out Titus and Young. Epico tosses Young back in and then connects with a springboard dive. Tag to Titus who hits a big forearm to the back of Epico. Titus throws Epico out with force. AW has a live mic at ringside and calls for some applause to his team. Tag to Young who is suplexed over Epico. Young brings Epico to the ring apron and AW “freshens up his fro” noting this on the mic. The fans boo and AW responds, “Hey, don’t hate.” Tag to Titus with a fallaway slam to Epico. AW with Taco Bell insults towards Rosa. Titus dances mocking Rosa. Tag to Young and tag to Primo. Primo takes out Titus and comes off the top taking out Young. Primo with a trip and leg drop combo. Primo with a springboard splash over Young. Primo sends Young into the ropes, hits the ropes and splashes over him. Primo springboards off the top rope, but Young catches him with knees. AW tells Young to wrap it up. Primo with a rollup.

Winners: Epico and Primo

After the match, Abraham Washington says it doesn’t matter and notes that The Primetime Players are still the #1 contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championships. They leave and get in the face of Kofi Kingston and R-Truth at ringside. Kingston throws water over AW. AW freaks out and is held back by Darren Young and Titus O’Neil.

A video package runs hyping CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan.

WWE Championship – No DQ Match
Special guest referee: AJ
CM Punk (c) vs. Daniel Bryan

Justin Roberts handled ring introductions for the challenger Daniel Bryan and champion CM Punk. Bryan with a few kicks and Punk with a dragon screw to counter. Punk tosses Bryan out of the ring and connects with a series of chops. Bryan sends Punk with force into the padded guard railing and gets in a few chops of his own. Back in the ring, Punk with a quick rollup for a two count. Chop exchanges between the two. Now kick exchanges between the two. Punk breaks it up with a big uppercut. Bryan keeps it grounded applying a headlock and pulling back on the head of Punk. Punk fights out, Bryan bails and Punk with a suicide dive through the ropes taking out Bryan. They brawl up the aisle, Punk blocks a suplex attempt and dumps Bryan off the steel guard railing. Punk tosses Bryan back in, AJ gets up on the ring apron and Bryan sends Punk into AJ who goes flying off the ring apron to the floor. Punk checks on AJ and Bryan drives his fists over the head of Punk from the ring apron. Bryan sends Punk into the steel ring steps and then checks on AJ.

WWE officials are taking AJ to the back. Bryan with a series of kicks, goes up on the ring apron, charges and catches Punk with a big flying knee. Bryan with more kicks to Punk up against the steel steps. Punk is sent into the wall near the timekeepers area. Punk launches Bryan over it and then crotches Bryan over the top wall. Punk with a flying clothesline taking out Bryan. The crowd in Phoenix wants tables. Punk smiles and pulls out a table from under the ring. Bryan on the attack with a suplex on Punk over the floor. Bryan has a kendo stick, misses a shot, misses a second and Punk rolls back in the ring. Bryan is in, Punk gets the kendo stick, Bryan knocks it away, Punk lands on the ring apron being launched up, goes up top, jumps and Bryan catches him in the ribs with the kendo stick. Bryan with a shot over the back of Punk repeatedly with the kendo stick. Bryan looks to back off, but gets in another big shot. Bryan with kicks to Punk in the corner. Bryan with a snap suplex on Punk. Bryan up top and misses a diving headbutt when Punk rolls out of the way.

Punk with some big elbows and a flying clothesline. Punk with a swinging neckbreaker. Punk with big knees to Bryan, sends him to the corner and connects with his high knee. Bryan counters out of a bulldog, but Punk catches Bryan with a quick snap powerslam. Punk calls for GTS. Bryan counters a GTS into a huricanrana into a cover for a close two count. Bryan then catches Punk with a big kick to the head. Bryan with a surfboard submission on Punk. Punk breaks free, has the kendo stick and starts cracking it over the back of Bryan repeatedly. Punk goes up top, Bryan cuts him off and connects with big superplex. AJ is walking back to the ring and tells the referee to leave. AJ skips around the ring and then grabs a steel chair from under the ring. Bryan is extending his hand. Punk is confused. AJ throws the chair down between them. Both grab it. Bryan with a shot to the gut of Punk and then a shot over the back repeatedly. Bryan covers Punk and Punk gets a shoulder up after two. Bryan stares down AJ and says that was a three count, not two.

Punk with a rollup and Bryan kicks out after two. Bryan with kicks to the chest of Punk when he gets up on his knees. Bryan with more kicks to Punk in the corner. Bryan backs up, charges and Punk explodes out of the corner catching Bryan with a big clothesline. Punk grabs the chair and cracks it over the back of Bryan repeatedly. Punk puts the chair between the top and middle turnbuckle. Punk grabs Bryan and AJ stands in front of the chair in the corner. Bryan then connects with a charging dropkick. AJ is now standing on the kendo stick preventing Bryan from grabbing it. Punk catches Bryan with a huge kick to the head. Punk then suplexes Bryan over a steel chair, goes up top, attempts his flying elbow and Bryan moves. Punk dropped right over the steel chair. Bryan with the Yes Lock applied. Bryan grabs the kendo stick and pulls back on the face of Punk with it. Bryan is yelling at Punk to tap. AJ is down staring at the face of Punk in pain. Punk breaks free, grabs the kendo stick, hits Bryan in the foot with it and then catapults Bryan to the corner.

Punk has Bryan up and connects with the GTS. Punk hooks the leg of Bryan…and Bryan gets a shoulder up after two. Punk gets in the face of AJ upset. Punk leaves the ring and grabs the table. Punk tosses it inside and sets it up. Punk puts Bryan over the table and gets in a few forearm shots to the chest. Punk is up top, Bryan gets off the table and crotches Punk. Bryan with big right hands to Punk, gets up on top over Punk, Punk counters and crotches Bryan on the corner. Punk drives elbows into the neck of Bryan. Punk with a back suplex on Bryan and they both fall back crashing through the table! Punk covers Bryan, AJ counts the pinfall and Punk gets the win.

Winner and still WWE Champion: CM Punk

After the match, AJ hands CM Punk the WWE Championship and he jumps up on the corner celebrating his win. Punk continues to salute the fans on the corners of the ring.

Ryback vs. Curt Hawkins and Tyler Reks

Curt Hawkins starts first and is immediately face planted by Ryback during a lock up. Ryback drops Hawkins down face first launching him in the air. Tag to Tyler Reks as he drops Ryback off the top rope. Reks with a quick clothesline to Ryback. Reks with some big stomps and kicks keeping Ryback grounded. Tag back to Hawkins. Hawkins with some big knees and then a big stomp over the chest of Ryback. Reks with a few more shots, tag back to Hawkins and Reks scoop slams Hawkins over Ryback. Hawkins with more kicks and tag back to Reks. Reks with shots and quick tag to Hawkins. Reks and Hawkins with a front face slam on Ryback. Tag to Reks and Ryback with a few shoulder charges in the corner. Ryback with a spinebuster to Hawkins. Ryback grabs Hawkins and lifts him up and back down in a big powerbomb. Ryback sends Hawkins over the top rope and then takes out Reks with a huge clothesline. Ryback puts Reks on his shoulders, marches around and then drops Reks back with force. Ryback with the cover on Reks for the win.

Winner: Ryback

After the match, Ryback screams, “Feed…me…more!” The crowd in Phoenix chants along.

Layla, Kaitlyn and Tamina Snuka vs. Beth Phoenix, Natalya and Eve Torres

Tamina and Natalya start things off. Tamina with a quick hip toss and chest chop. Tag to Kaitlyn who hits a quick backbreaker on Natalya. Tag to Beth Phoenix. Beth slaps Kaitlyn and Kaitlyn slaps her back. Beth tags in Eve who takes a slap from Kaitlyn as well. Kaitlyn with a cross-body on Eve. Eve with a kick from the second rope on Kaitlyn. Tag to Beth who chokes Kaitlyn on the middle rope. Beth misses a splash and tag to Layla. Layla drops Beth down face first, hits a clothesline and big kick to the face. Layla with a cross-body from the corner on Beth. Layla misses a big swinging kick, Beth lifts up Layla, Layla escapes down and goes into a pinfall that gets broken up. All the girls jump in the ring and we have a big brawl. Tamina with a kick to Beth. Layla with a neckbreaker and gets the cover.

Winners: WWE Divas Champion Layla, Kaitlyn and Tamina Snuka

A promo for WWE Summerslam on August 19 airs.

“Money in the Bank” Ladder Match for the WWE Title Contract
Kane vs. Chris Jericho vs. The Miz vs. Big Show vs. John Cena

We start with John Cena going after Big Show and Chris Jericho going after Kane. Cena is able to toss Big Show over the top rope quickly. Big Show then tosses Cena into the steel ring steps and then sends Jericho into a ladder in the entrance aisle. In the ring, Miz is setting up a ladder under the briefcase. Cena cuts him off and Big Show jumps in taking out both. Big Show then knocks Jericho off the ring apron. Kane is back in and he exchanges shots with Big Show. Big Show with a big scoop slam on Kane. Miz comes off the top rope and Big Show swats him away with ease. Jericho in with a ladder and Big Show swats that away as well. Jericho with a Codebreaker on Big Show, Miz with a DDT on Big Show and Kane big boots Big Show over the top rope to the outside. Cena sees Big Show topple over the top rope at ringside and starts clearing off the Spanish announce table. Cena gets Big Show up on his shoulders and gives him an FU through the Spanish announce table! Big Show is then covered in a mountain of ladders by Cena, Kane and Miz.

Jericho then walks up and catches Kane and Miz with a ladder. Jericho tosses his ladder over Big Show. Jericho sets up a ladder under the briefcase, Miz gets Jericho on his shoulders, Jericho counters out and applies the Walls of Jericho on Miz. Jericho then kicks a ladder in the face of Kane. Jericho with a quick suplex on Miz. Jericho puts a ladder on top of a corner and uses it to get in a shot on Cena. Miz is climbing up the ladder and Jericho cuts him off. Jericho sends Miz face first into the top of the ladder. Jericho is climbing up, reaches, Cena cuts him off and throws him face first into the top of the ladder. Jericho falls off. Cena remains at the top. Miz pulls Cena down and connects with a big DDT. Miz climbs up, gets his hand on the briefcase and Kane launches a ladder at Miz. Miz falls off. Kane is climbing up and Jericho cuts him off. Kane grabs Miz as well. Miz and Jericho with a double suplex on Kane over a ladder. Cena with shoulder blocks to Miz and Jericho. Cena scoop slams Miz over a ladder and then does the same to Jericho over a ladder as well.

Cena with Five Knuckle Shuffles on Miz and Jericho. Cena with an FU on Kane over Miz on the ladder. Jericho then launches a ladder into the face of Cena who goes flying out of the ring. Jericho drops a ladder over Cena at ringside and returns to the ring. Jericho is setting up a ladder when we see the giant Big Show emerge from under the ladders he was buried under. Big Show rips the brace off a ladder and pushes Jericho over. Big Show puts Jericho inside a ladder and closes it a few times over his back. Big Show tears the ladder off the hinge and then drops it over the back of Jericho. Big Show tosses another ladder in the face of Kane and then tosses it on Kane at ringside. Big Show with a huge chop to Miz sending him back out through the ropes. Big Show drops a ladder over Miz. Cena is back in with a ladder. Big Show cuts him off and executes a big body shot. Big Show then brings in a huge reinforced ladder that he puts under the briefcase in the ring. Kane is climbing up the other side. Big Show with a knockout punch to Kane sending him flying off.

Cena jumps up and connects with right hands. Big Show with a headbutt to send Cena off. Jericho with a steel chair shot to the back of Big Show. Jericho with a few more shots to send Big Show off the huge ladder. Cena and Jericho are now climbing up the ladder. Jericho with rights to Cena. Cena has Jericho up on his shoulders at the top of the ladder. Jericho takes Cena’s back and gets a sleeper applied. Cena tries to fight the sleeper reaching up, but Jericho keeps it locked in and Cena is out. Miz jumps up and Jericho fights him off. Cena falls off the ladder. Jericho reaches up and nearly has the briefcase. Miz jumps up and has the briefcase as well. Jericho and Miz are fighting over the briefcase. Jericho is holding the cable. Miz headbutts him away and Jericho holds on to the cable dangling above the ring. Jericho grabs the ladder and Miz tries to suplex him off. Jericho with right hands to Miz. Big Show is now climbing up and gives Jericho a big knockout punch. Big Show tosses Miz off. Cena jumps up. Cena uses the briefcase to block a knockout punch from Big Show. The briefcase breaks free and Cena has it. Cena hits Big Show over the head to send him flying and gets the win.

Winner of a shot at the WWE Championship: John Cena

After the match, John Cena stands on top of the ladder holding up the briefcase. We see highlights of the match leading to the finish. Back live, Cena is continuing to celebrate as we see shots of Jericho and Miz in pain at ringside. The PPV goes off the air with Cena walking off with the “Money in the Bank” briefcase.

Shawn Michaels Tweets Homophobic Remark

- WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels posted a homofobic remark on Twitter in response to a fan concerning his hairline:

"Another dude obsessed w/my hair #homo" He wrote on Thursday

LIVE COVERAGE: WWE Money in the Bank ~ TONIGHT!

We will be covering WWE Money in the bank LIVE Tonight!

Stip announced for tonight’s WWE title match

From WWE:
BREAKING NEWS: Tonight’s WWE Title bout between CM Punk & Daniel Bryan, refereed by AJ, is now No DQ. Money in the Bank – 8 ET/5 PT

Location for next year’s Royal Rumble set

The 2013 WWE Royal Rumble will take place in Phoenix, AZ on January 27th, 2013.